Extradited Terror Suspect Indicted on Four Counts

(CN) – An alleged fundraiser and recruiter for a Uzbekistani terrorist group was in court Monday after his extradition from Germany. Irfan Demirtas aka Nasrullah appeared in D.C. federal court on an indictment for terrorism offenses. He is accused of supporting the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization. Demirtas, 56, allegedly helped raise money and recruit fighters for IMU from January 2006 to May 2008. He was arrested in Germany in January and extradited to the United States on Friday, according to a Justice Department press release. His indictment was unsealed Monday. The duel Dutch-Turkish national was charged with providing material support to terrorists, providing material support and resources to a designated foreign terrorist organization, receiving military-type training from a foreign terrorist organization, and using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The charges each carry maximum sentences ranging from 10 to 30 years in prison. Acting D.C. U.S. Attorney Vincent Cohen, Jr. said in a statement that the case highlights the federal government’s efforts to bring terrorism supporters to justice. “Today Irfan Demirtas was brought into an American courtroom to face charges that he raised money and recruited fighters for a foreign terrorist organization battling the Afghan government and its allies, including U.S. troops,” Cohen said. “His extradition to the United States is an important step forward in holding him accountable for his alleged role in fomenting terror across Europe and the Middle East.” IMU was designated a terrorist group by the U.S. State Department in 2001, according to the press release.